25 Ideas for what to do with Leftover Beef Roast

Last Updated on April 6, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Are you looking for leftover roast ideas? I love making a big pot roast in our slow cooker or Instant Pot, but then I have a refrigerator full of leftovers that I need to use up. I like having a few easy dinner ideas on hand for those busy nights. 

Leftover Pot Roast Ideas

A pot roast isn’t really a specific cut of beef or a certain recipe. Pot roast refers to a method of cooking a roast-sized piece of beef in a way that causes a Maillard reaction that gives browned foods a distinctive flavor you probably recognize.

The important thing to remember is that you want to char the outside to get that flavor THEN you can transfer it to your slow cooker or Instant Pot to finish cooking.

Once you have extra pot roast from the night before, you can try a few of these leftover pot roast ideas to use it up. All you really need is a few cups of leftover roast beef to get started.

What can I do with tough leftover beef?

One of my favorite leftover pot roast ideas is so simple! Just slice the leftover pot roast into thin strips, add a can of cream of mushroom soup, one cup of beef broth, and put the whole thing in the slow cooker.

Then, a few minutes before serving, stir in a half a cup of sour cream.

Serve the whole thing over egg noodles and you have one of the best leftover pot roast pasta meals you have ever had. You only need to simmer it for about 3 hours on low.

Does pot roast freeze well?

Yes, it’s very easy to freeze pot roast. Just chop it or slice it into serving-size pieces. Then place it in a freezer bag. You can store it in the freezer safely for two or three months. Then, just defrost in the refrigerator and use it in your favorite recipes.

Creative ways to use up leftovers

Honestly, one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers is to just get creative. I often just add a can of gravy, cooked onions, mushrooms, and seasonings and serve it over mashed potatoes.

Or, why not chop it up finely and add it to chili. You could make a homemade beef soup with vegetables and rice.  Or, you could add it on top of a garden salad with cheese and croutons.

If you’re looking for a leftover roast beef recipe, make Mississippi pot roast and serve it over mashed potatoes with a savory gravy. 

You don’t always need a recipe to use up leftovers. Just take a look in the cupboard and see what you have to use up. Then get creative with mixing those things together. Most of the time, the results will be amazing.

Just keep in mind what types of foods go well together when you’re planning. A leftover pot roast stroganoff or a leftover pot roast stew both sound delicious to me.

How long is leftover roast good for?

Stored in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container, it is good for three to four days. You can store it in freezer bags in the freezer for up to two months for longer storage.

What is the best bread to serve roast beef sandwiches on?

One of my favorite leftover roast beef ideas is to make sandwiches with them. We tend to use bulkie rolls or large grinder rolls. But, it’s just as good with sliced French bread or even gluten free sandwich bread if that’s an issue for you.

If you want your roast beef warm, you can heat it over medium heat for a few seconds. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil in the pan so it doesn’t dry out if you need to. 

 

What you need to get started:

Pot Roast – I highly recommend you begin with a Certified Angus Beef Brand pot roast. The key to tender and tasty roast beef is plenty of marbling. That’s why I look for the Certified Angus Beef brand.

Of course, many of these recipes will work with any type of beef roast including a chuck roast. 

Meat Shredding Claws – If you’re planning on making sloppy joes or shredded beef of any type, meat shredding claws are an absolute must-have. They make the process so much easier.

Indoor Grill Pan – If you love having grilled sandwiches, you will not believe the difference in flavor when you grill them on a grill pan.

Leftover Pot Roast Ideas

You may enjoy one of these leftover roast beef recipes.

• Yorkshire Strata
• Leftover Pot Roast Sandwich
• Easy Shepherd’s Pie
• Beef and Vegetable Soup

What can I do with tough roast beef leftovers?

Try one of these left over roast recipes.

• Leftover Pot Roast Chipotle Tacos
• Pot Roast Ragu
• Perfect Pot Roast Soup
• Pot Roast Breakfast Hash
• Leftover Pot Roast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What can I do with leftover roast broth?

• Pot Roast Beef Barley Soup
• Roast Beef Burritos
• Pulled Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
• Pot Roast Hand Pies
• Easy Pot Roast pasta
• Pot Roast Enchiladas
• Leftover Pot Roast Beef Bourguignon
• Sunday Herbed Pot Roast Soup

Recipes using leftover roast beef

• Pot Roast Turned Cowboy Stew
• Quick Beef and Noodles
• Pot Roast Open-Faced Sandwiches
• Baked Chimichangas with Shredded Beef
• Pot Roast Pasta Bolognese
• Crockpot Roast Beef Stew
• Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Or simply toss it in the crockpot for dinner with some gravy and mushrooms. Then serve over mashed potatoes.

Do you have any other leftover pot roast ideas to share?

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